Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year, is one most anticipated annual occasions in Singapore. Activities are a-flutter in the Chinese community this festive season as families gather for reunion dinners, house visits, and celebrations. New clothes are usually worn to symbolise the New Year, and members of the younger generation receive red packets (ang baos) from married elders during house visits. The red packets are filled with money, and symbolises good luck. You can be sure that this tradition is one of the main highlights of the season for children!

As you soak in the spirit of Chinese New Year with cheery New Year songs, take a few minutes to appreciate the bright New Year decorations, usually in auspicious red and gold colours, and of course, New Year treats!

Lion dance performances are especially popular as they are believed to bring in good fortune. Troupes can be seen performing just about everywhere, from shops, hawker stalls to shopping centres, and of course, more at more elaborate performances on Chinese New Year Eve in Chinatown.

The city buzzes with celebrations, events and activities during this festive season. Mark your calendars for the Chingay Parade, the yearly procession celebrating Singapore’s cultural diversity with exciting performances. The parade will feature vibrant floats, dancing dragons, prancing lions, stilt walkers, wushu masters, performers in various traditional costumes, and many more!

River Hongbao, held at The Float at Marina Bay, draws a good crowd every year. There will be food and shopping stalls, street performances, lanterns, and fireworks displays!

The artistically-inclined will love the Huayi Festival. The Huayi Festival is a significant part of Chinese New Year festivities where Chinese artists across all genres present their works to international audiences in Singapore. Programmes at this cultural festival include various art forms like theatre, dance, music, visual arts and more.

Be enchanted by the Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebrations 2014 Street Light-up, where illuminated lantern sculptures of suspended horses will be galloping towards giant gold coins – symbols of prosperity.

You can also visit the countdown party to soak up the festive atmosphere in the heart of Chinatown as Singapore welcomes the New Lunar Year with performances and games, and later, the once-a-year display of fireworks, accompanied by fireworks!

Celebrations will take place in the heartlands too, so if you’re looking for a more laid-back (but equally fun) celebration, check this out!

If you are a tourist stopping by to visit, this is the best time to join in the festivities and soak in the rich Chinese culture and traditions. Happy New Year, and Gong Xi Fa Cai!